October 8, 2026

Eleanor & Park

Author: Rainbow Rowell
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: St. Martin's Publishing, 2013
Pages: 336
Rating: Recommend

Synopsis: Set over the course of one school year in 1986, this is the story of two star-crossed misfits-smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you'll remember your own first love-and just how hard it pulled you under.

Review: I added this novel to my "TBR" list in 2013, and there it has sat for 13 years. I had it out from the library a few years, but didn't get around to reading it at that time. So, here we are. What a cute novel, and a bit heartbreaking too. I felt for Eleanor and for kids I went to school with that likely didn't have the best home life. 

I'm glad I kept this novel on my To Be Read shelf all these years and that I finally got around to reading it.